Protected areas (PAs) are critical elements of global, national and local conservation strategies and provide critical protection for ecosystems, wildlife and plant biodiversity. The creation of a new PA is often a major event, with media coverage and official statements by policy makers, conservation professionals and community groups. However, far less attention has been paid to the degazettement, downlisting and downsizing of PAs. This meeting will present new findings by researchers working on this issue in Africa and will provide an opportunity for insightful discussion on important questions and next steps. USAID's Biodiversity Analysis and Technical Support (BATS) program has provided support for some of the research presented.

Objectives

To learn about Protected Area Degazettement, Downlisting and Downsizing (PADDD)

To discuss the causes, impacts and questions about PADDD in Africa

To consider recent or proposed PADDD cases in Africa, such as the Serengeti Road